Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter fell well below plan, reflecting a significant decline in attendance due to macro factors and extreme weather conditions [20][24][34] - The company ended the quarter with approximately $107 million in cash and cash equivalents, with total liquidity of $540 million [20] - Gross debt outstanding at the end of the second quarter was approximately $5.3 billion, with net debt to annualized second quarter adjusted EBITDA at approximately 6.2 times, above the target range of sub four times [22][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Attendance at Legacy Cedar Fair parks was up 3% during July, while per capita spending on admissions increased by 4% [25][30] - Per capita spending on in-park products at Legacy Cedar Fair parks was up 3%, driven by higher guest spending on food, beverage, and merchandise [25] - The company introduced a reimagined pass structure for the 2026 season pass program to enhance appeal and attract new customers [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Combined attendance was down 12% over a six-week period due to severe weather, while attendance was flat during the first seven weeks of the quarter when weather was not an issue [24] - Attendance in July was up 1%, with preliminary net revenues down approximately 3% due to pressure on guest spending [29][34] - The company experienced a surge in demand for parks in July, with season pass sales climbing rapidly [11][29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing assets and reducing net leverage while executing integration efforts [10][18] - A significant restructuring was completed to flatten leadership layers and improve agility, aiming for annualized labor cost reductions of over $20 million [17] - The company is actively pursuing divestitures of non-core assets to accelerate deleveraging [22][58] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that the challenges faced in the first half of the year are largely transient and not indicative of a fundamental change in consumer behavior [49] - The company anticipates stronger second-half results with normalized weather conditions and improved demand trends [37][39] - Management remains committed to reducing leverage and is evaluating opportunities to monetize non-core assets [38][39] Other Important Information - The company incurred $11 million in non-recurring merger-related integration costs and $28 million in adjusted EBITDA add-backs during the quarter [27] - The company expects to reduce full-year operating costs and expenses by 3% compared to last year's combined cost base [18][35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on macro pressures - Management clarified that macro pressures include significant weather impacts and some pressure on lower-income consumers, but overall spending behavior at parks remains strong [44][46] Question: Impact of weather on long-term targets - Management believes the challenges faced are transient and not reflective of long-term potential, with a focus on finishing 2025 strong and building momentum for 2026 [49][50] Question: Details on divestitures - Management is actively pursuing two non-core asset sales and evaluating other potential divestitures to optimize the portfolio [58][59] Question: Cost savings and synergies - Management confirmed that the goal for permanent cost savings remains at $120 million, with a focus on realizing these synergies in the second half of the year [61][62] Question: Guidance on attendance and pricing - Management indicated that attendance is expected to be flat for the second half, with pricing strategies being adjusted based on demand trends observed in recent weeks [34][91]

Financial Overview - The third quarter net income was $63.4 million, with diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.22, reflecting a 2% growth in net income but a 2% decline in diluted EPS compared to the prior year due to additional shares outstanding [5][44] - Operating revenues reached $1.024 billion, up 12% year-over-year and 7% sequentially [5][6] - Total compensation and other expenses increased by 5% year-over-year and 3% sequentially, with fixed compensation and related costs up 6% year-over-year [6][7] - The trailing twelve months results showed operating revenues up 17%, net income up 26%, and EPS of $5.87, with a return on equity (ROE) of 16.6% [8] Business Line Performance - Growth was observed in securities, payments, and FX CFDs, while declines were noted in listed and OTC derivatives, physical contracts, and interest and fee income on client balances [8][9] - Operating revenues from physical contracts decreased by 17% year-over-year, primarily due to tariff-related uncertainties [9][10] - Securities operating revenues increased by 30%, driven by a 25% increase in volumes and a 15% rise in rate per million [10][11] - The commercial segment's net operating revenues declined by 24%, primarily due to a 44% drop in physical contracts [12][13] - The institutional segment saw record net operating revenues and segment income growth of 27% and 41% respectively [13][14] - The self-directed retail segment's net operating revenues increased by 18%, with segment income up 49% [14][15] Market Data - Interest and fee income on client balances decreased by 11% year-over-year, primarily due to lower short-term interest rates [11][12] - Average daily volume in FX CFD contracts increased by 34%, contributing to the growth in the self-directed retail segment [15][16] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company closed the RJO and Benchmark acquisitions, which are expected to be transformational and position the company as a market leader in global derivatives [18][19] - The RJO acquisition is anticipated to enhance earnings and margins, with a focus on integrating capabilities and expanding market reach [19][22] - The Benchmark acquisition is expected to provide robust sales and trading platforms, enhancing the company's investment banking capabilities [25][26] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the commercial segment faced challenges due to tariff uncertainties and diminished volatility in key agricultural markets [50][51] - The company remains optimistic about the potential revenue synergies from the RJO acquisition, particularly in the commercial segment [56][58] - Management highlighted the ongoing uncertainty in the macro environment but noted that volatility can be beneficial for trading activities [78][79] Other Important Information - The company is focused on expanding its custody and clearing capabilities, including launching digital asset custody solutions [31][34] - The company reported a 27% year-over-year increase in correspondent clearing balances, indicating strong growth across major business lines [33][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more detail on the weakness in the commercial segment? - Management attributed the weakness to tariff uncertainty and lack of volatility in the agricultural sector, impacting trading volumes and revenue capture [50][51][52] Question: Any updates on revenue synergies for RJO now that it's closed? - Management indicated that while it is difficult to quantify revenue synergies immediately, they believe the potential is significant, particularly in the commercial segment [56][58] Question: What are the longer-term plans for the retail segment? - Management discussed plans to expand the retail segment beyond FX trading, focusing on a multi-asset class offering [63][66] Question: What are the priorities for the integration of RJ O'Brien? - Management outlined a focus on realizing synergies quickly, particularly on the international side, while ensuring a seamless integration process for U.S. operations [72][75] Question: Are there any changes in behavior from large financial institutions? - Management noted no significant changes in behavior from banks regarding investment in the FCM business, indicating a continued focus on other strategic priorities [84][85]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales grew 9% as reported and 8% in constant currency, with non-GAAP earnings per share at $2.95, up 12% year on year [9][10][21] - GAAP EPS was $2.47, with gross margin at 58.3% and adjusted operating margin at 29.1% [21][24] - Free cash flow was $159 million after funding $23 million of capital expenditures, with a net debt position of $1.1 billion at the end of the quarter [22][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Instruments grew mid-single digits, led by high single-digit growth in the LC and mass spec portfolio [9][10] - Recurring revenue grew 11%, driven by 9% service growth and double-digit chemistry growth [10][21] - Chemistry benefited from approximately $8 million of sales pull forward related to tariff dynamics, with overall constant currency growth rate at 7% and chemistry up 10% [11][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - By end market, pharma grew low double digits, industrial grew 6%, and academic and government declined low single digits [11][17] - In the Americas, growth was partially offset by weakness in the TA division, particularly in macro-sensitive polymer and materials testing applications [10][11] - China grew high single digits, with strong performance across all end markets, particularly in pharma and CDMO segments [20][76] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three strategic pillars: commercial execution, revitalizing innovation, and capturing long-term growth in high-growth adjacencies [12][15] - The pending combination with BD's biosciences and diagnostic solutions business is expected to accelerate entry into high-growth adjacencies and enhance the company's growth trajectory [27][28] - The company is raising its full-year 2025 constant currency sales growth guidance to 5.5% to 7.5% and non-GAAP EPS guidance to $12.95 to $13.05 [16][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong momentum of the core business and the positive impact of the upcoming combination with BD [27][28] - The company anticipates a gradual return to growth for BD's biosciences and diagnostics solutions business, with expected growth rates improving in the coming years [31][32] - Management remains cautious about the impact of tariffs and macroeconomic conditions on certain segments, particularly in the TA division [10][71] Other Important Information - The company expects to deliver $345 million in adjusted EBITDA synergies by year five from the combination with BD, with $200 million in cost synergies and $290 million in revenue synergies [34][39] - The microbiology business from BD is seen as a strategic fit with significant value creation opportunities, particularly in infectious disease diagnostics [46][49] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide an update on the replacement cycle in LC and competitive dynamics? - Management noted that the LCMS segment continues to grow high single digits, with strong replacement activity among large pharma customers and increasing growth in the CDMO customer base [57][58] Question: What is the timeline for bringing new products to market in microbiology? - Management indicated that it would take approximately three to five years to fully realize the opportunities in microbiology, with potential product introductions in two to three years [63][64] Question: How sustainable is the growth in China? - Management reported double-digit growth in China, driven by strong performance across all end markets, and remains cautiously optimistic for the back half of the year [76][78] Question: What are the drivers behind the operating margin being lighter than expected? - Management explained that the margin impact was primarily due to geographical mix and tariff remediation costs, with expectations for progressive improvement in margins in the second half of the year [82][84] Question: Can you elaborate on the $8 million sales pull forward? - Management expressed confidence in the $8 million figure based on order patterns and customer discussions, indicating it may impact both Q3 and Q4 [85][86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Second quarter production totaled 137,000 ounces, up 10% from the first quarter, in line with quarterly guidance [3] - All-in sustaining costs decreased by 18% compared to the first quarter, with further declines expected in the second half of the year [4][14] - Record revenues of $438 million were achieved, with an average realized price of $3,223 per ounce [13] - Free cash flow for the quarter totaled $85 million, a significant increase from the first quarter [16] - Adjusted net earnings were $144 million or $0.34 per share [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Island Gold District produced 64,400 ounces, a 9% increase over the first quarter [19] - Young Davidson produced 38,700 ounces, also a 9% increase from the first quarter [25] - Mulatos District production totaled 34,100 ounces, a 12% increase over the first quarter [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average realized price for gold was below the London PM fixed price due to deliveries into a gold prepayment facility [13] - Total cash costs were $10.75 per ounce, and all-in sustaining costs were $14.75 per ounce, both decreased by 10-18% from the first quarter [13][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding the Island Gold District, with a life of mine plan projecting average annual production of 411,000 ounces at all-in sustaining costs of $915 per ounce [8] - An expansion study is underway, expected to outline a larger and more profitable operation [9] - The transition of processing higher-grade underground ore at the Magino mill is expected to realize significant cost synergies [4][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting production guidance despite a slow start to the year due to difficult conditions [36] - A significant improvement in both production and costs is expected in the second half of the year [18][32] - The company anticipates strong ongoing free cash flow while funding growth projects [12] Other Important Information - The company revised its full-year cost guidance, expecting all-in sustaining costs to be 12% higher than originally planned [17] - The cash balance at the end of the second quarter grew to $345 million, with total liquidity at $845 million [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in meeting production guidance - Management expressed strong confidence in meeting production guidance, citing a long track record of accurate forecasting [35][37] Question: Exploration potential near Magino Mill - Management highlighted exciting exploration results and ongoing efforts to convert resources to reserves for the upcoming expansion study [42][44] Question: Groundwater issues at Young Davidson - Management confirmed that groundwater issues have been resolved and additional pumping capacity has been added to prevent recurrence [52][53] Question: Throughput expectations at Magino Mill - Management indicated a gradual ramp-up in throughput, expecting to reach 11,200 tonnes per day by Q4 [66][67] Question: Contribution of Island underground ore to Magino Mill - Management confirmed that contributions from Island underground ore will increase, targeting about 1,400 tonnes per day in Q4 [69]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Second quarter production totaled 137,000 ounces, up 10% from the first quarter, in line with quarterly guidance [3] - All-in sustaining costs decreased by 18% compared to the first quarter, with further declines expected in the second half of the year [4] - Record revenues of $438 million were achieved, with free cash flow of $85 million [5][13] - Adjusted net earnings were $144 million or $0.34 per share, while operating cash flow before changes in non-cash working capital was a record $233 million [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Island Gold District production totaled 64,400 ounces, a 9% increase over the first quarter [19] - Young Davidson produced 38,700 ounces, also a 9% increase from the first quarter [26] - Mulatos District production totaled 34,100 ounces, a 12% increase over the first quarter [29] - Mine site free cash flow increased significantly across all operations, with Young Davidson generating a record $59 million [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average realized gold price was $3,223 per ounce, with total cash costs of $10.75 per ounce and all-in sustaining costs of $14.75 per ounce [13] - Full year total cash costs are now expected to be between $975 and $1,025 per ounce, and all-in sustaining costs between $1,400 and $1,450 per ounce, reflecting a 12% increase in guidance [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding the Island Gold District, with a base case life of mine plan projecting average annual production of 411,000 ounces at mine site all-in sustaining costs of $915 per ounce [7] - An expansion study is underway, expected to outline a larger and more profitable operation, with potential milling rates evaluated at 20,000 tons per day [8][9] - The company anticipates strong ongoing free cash flow while funding growth projects, with expectations to exceed $1 billion in annual free cash flow at current gold prices [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting production guidance despite a slow start to the year, citing strong operational performance expected in the second half [36][38] - The transition of processing high-grade ore within the Magino mill is seen as a key step towards realizing significant cost synergies [32] - Management highlighted the potential for significant increases in production and declining costs over the next several years, driven by the completion of expansion projects [11] Other Important Information - The company has a cash balance of $345 million and total liquidity of $845 million, positioning it well to internally fund growth plans [15] - The Phase three plus expansion is progressing well, with significant capital already committed [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in meeting production guidance - Management expressed strong confidence in meeting production guidance, citing a long track record of accurate forecasting and operational performance [36][38] Question: Exploration potential near Magino Mill - Management highlighted exciting exploration results and ongoing efforts to convert resources to reserves, with plans to incorporate findings into the upcoming expansion study [42][44] Question: Groundwater issues at Young Davidson - Management confirmed that groundwater issues have been resolved and additional pumping capacity has been added to prevent recurrence [53][54] Question: Throughput expectations at Magino Mill - Management indicated a gradual ramp-up in throughput, expecting to reach 11,200 tonnes per day by the end of the quarter [68][69] Question: Contribution from Island underground ore - Management confirmed that contributions from Island underground ore will increase in the second half of the year, targeting approximately 1,400 tonnes per day by Q4 [71]

Summary of Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) and Waters Corporation Conference Call Industry and Companies Involved - **Industry**: Life Sciences and Diagnostics - **Companies**: Waters Corporation and Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) Core Points and Arguments 1. **M&A Announcement**: Waters announced a combination with BD's Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business via a Reverse Morris Trust, with Waters issuing 39.2% of its shares to BD shareholders and assuming $4 billion in debt [3][6][44]. 2. **Financial Projections**: The combined company is expected to generate pro forma revenue of approximately $6.5 billion and adjusted EBITDA of around $2 billion for 2025 [7][19]. 3. **R&D Investment**: Approximately 10% of product sales will be allocated to R&D to sustain innovation [8][17]. 4. **Employee Count and Headquarters**: The combined entity will have around 16,000 employees and will be headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts [8]. 5. **Market Expansion**: The transaction is expected to double Waters' total addressable market to approximately $40 billion, with a focus on high-volume, regulated applications [9][12]. 6. **Revenue Stability**: Over 70% of the combined revenue is expected to be recurring, enhancing growth stability [10][11]. 7. **Cost and Revenue Synergies**: Expected cost synergies of $200 million by year three and revenue synergies of $290 million by year five [20][41]. 8. **Adjusted Operating Margin**: The combined company aims for an adjusted operating margin of approximately 32% by 2030, with an initial margin of 27% [19][43]. 9. **Strategic Fit**: The combination enhances capabilities in bioseparations, bioanalytical characterization, and multiplex diagnostics, leveraging both companies' strengths [15][36][38]. 10. **Customer Base**: The merger allows for cross-selling opportunities, particularly in flow cytometry and diagnostics, enhancing customer access and service offerings [56][91]. Additional Important Content 1. **Historical Growth**: Both companies have historically grown at mid-single-digit rates, with BD's bioscience and diagnostic solutions business having approximately 80% annual recurring revenue [18][19]. 2. **Innovation Pipeline**: BD's Biosciences is noted for its strong innovation pipeline in flow cytometry and microbiology, while Waters has a robust portfolio in chemistry and analytics [24][26][30]. 3. **Market Positioning**: The combined company is positioned to lead in life sciences tools, with a focus on regulated high-volume settings [47][48]. 4. **Regulatory and Market Access**: The merger is expected to enhance regulatory capabilities and market access for diagnostics, particularly in high-throughput labs [78][92]. 5. **Long-term Value Creation**: The transaction is described as transformational, aiming to create significant long-term value for shareholders, customers, and employees [47][48]. This summary encapsulates the key points from the conference call regarding the merger between Waters Corporation and BD's Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions, highlighting the strategic, operational, and financial implications of the transaction.

Financial Performance - Net Income was $42 million and Adjusted Net Income was $41 million[10] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $104 million[10] - A dividend of $009 per share was declared, with a record date of March 4th, 2025[10] - TCE per vessel was $16,129, while average daily OPEX per vessel was $5,056[9] - Average daily net cash G&A expenses per vessel were $1,264, resulting in TCE less OPEX less G&A expenses of $9,809[9] Eagle Bulk Merger & Synergies - Synergies achieved from the Eagle Bulk integration have resulted in more than $22 million in savings to date[10] - Q4 2024 synergies from the Eagle Bulk integration amounted to $126 million, implying an annualized run-rate of $50 million[26] Capital Allocation & Liquidity - Proforma cash was approximately $452 million, and proforma debt and lease obligations were $1266 million as of February 17th, 2025[10] - Additional liquidity of $50 million is available through an undrawn Revolver Facility, bringing proforma liquidity to almost $05 billion[10] - Thirteen debt-free vessels have an aggregate market value of $250 million[10] - Total actions of $26 billion in shareholder value creation since 2021[12] Fleet & Coverage - The company has one of the largest dry bulk fleets among U S and European listed peers, with 155 vessels on a fully delivered basis[39] - Fleet-wide coverage for Q1 2025 is 801% at a TCE of $12,305 per day[63] Market Dynamics - Dry bulk NET fleet growth was +30% in 2024, compared to +31% in 2023[48] - Total dry bulk trade in 2024 is estimated at +33% in tons and +50% in ton-miles[49]

Summary of MRC Global and DNOW Merger Conference Call Company and Industry Overview - **Companies Involved**: MRC Global (MRC) and DNOW - **Industry**: Energy and Industrial Solutions Key Points and Arguments 1. **Merger Announcement**: The merger between DNOW and MRC Global is described as a transformational combination aimed at creating a premier energy and industrial solutions provider, enhancing long-term sustainable growth and shareholder value [4][5][6] 2. **Transaction Structure**: The merger is structured as an all-stock transaction with an enterprise value of approximately $3 billion. MRC Global shareholders will receive 0.9489 shares of DNOW common stock for each share of MRC Global common stock [7][8] 3. **Ownership Post-Merger**: Upon closing, DNOW and MRC Global shareholders will own approximately 56.5% of the combined company on a fully diluted basis [7] 4. **Expected Synergies**: The merger is expected to generate annual run rate pretax synergies of $70 million within three years, primarily from public company costs, corporate and IT systems, and operational efficiencies [7][23] 5. **Financial Strength**: The combined company anticipates starting with revenues of approximately $5.3 billion and expects the transaction to be accretive to adjusted EPS in the first year following the close [13][22] 6. **Geographic and Product Expansion**: The merger will enhance the geographic footprint and product offerings, allowing the combined company to serve customers globally across more than 350 service and distribution locations [14][15] 7. **Customer-Centric Approach**: Both companies emphasize a customer-first mindset, aiming to leverage their combined strengths to better serve existing customers and attract new ones [29][30] 8. **Capital Structure and Liquidity**: The combined entity will have over $200 million in cash and a $500 million revolving credit facility, with additional commitments to expand the credit facility by $250 million at the close of the merger [8][27] 9. **Integration Strategy**: The focus will be on retaining top talent and driving revenue growth through cross-selling opportunities, with branch network efficiencies evaluated as integration progresses [58][60] Additional Important Content 1. **Regulatory Approval**: The companies do not anticipate regulatory issues, believing the merger will enhance customer choice and service capabilities [49] 2. **Cost Savings**: The expected cost savings will come from systems consolidation, distribution network optimization, and operational efficiencies, although specific integration costs have not yet been estimated [23][50] 3. **Long-Term Value Creation**: The merger is positioned to create long-term value through disciplined capital allocation, including organic growth investments, share repurchases, and potential future M&A [58][27] 4. **Market Opportunities**: The combined company aims to penetrate growing sectors such as alternative energy, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and mining, leveraging each company's strengths [20][19] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call regarding the merger between MRC Global and DNOW, highlighting the strategic rationale, expected benefits, and future outlook for the combined entity.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q4 increased by 10% to $1.4 billion, while excluding Paycor, total revenue increased by 3% [20] - For the full fiscal year 2025, total revenue grew by 6% to $5.6 billion [23] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by 6% to $1.19 in Q4, while diluted earnings per share decreased by 22% to $0.82 [22] - Adjusted operating income margins for Q4 were 40.4%, an increase of approximately 20 basis points [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Management Solutions revenue increased by 12% to $1 billion for Q4, driven by the addition of Paycor and higher revenue per client [21] - PEO and Insurance Solutions revenue increased by 4% to $340 million for Q4, supported by growth in average PEO worksite employees [21] - Interest on funds held for clients increased by 18% to $45 million for Q4, primarily due to the inclusion of Paycor balances [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The number of clients served increased to approximately 800,000, with HR outsourcing worksite employees rising to 2.5 million [6] - Client retention rates improved year over year, indicating strong value provided to clients [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to strategically accelerate investments for future growth while focusing on cost synergies of approximately $90 million in fiscal year 2026 [7][26] - The HCM platforms will be segmented, with Paychex Flex targeting companies with up to 99 employees and Paycor focusing on enterprises with over 100 employees [9] - The company is committed to enhancing operational efficiency and maintaining industry-leading operating margins [6][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management noted a mix of optimism and uncertainty in the market, with small businesses remaining fundamentally healthy despite external pressures [16][17] - The company expects total revenue growth for fiscal year 2026 to be in the range of 16.5% to 18.5%, with Management Solutions projected to grow by 20% to 22% [26] - Management expressed confidence in achieving revenue synergies and highlighted the importance of cross-selling opportunities [11][90] Other Important Information - The company returned over $1.5 billion to shareholders through cash dividends and share repurchases during the fiscal year [25] - The financial position remains strong, with cash and investments totaling $1.7 billion and total borrowings of approximately $5 billion [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the distractions related to the sales force integration and its impact on Q4? - Management acknowledged that they made strategic decisions to complete changes quickly to minimize disruption, and they do not expect significant spillover effects into Q1 [33][37] Question: What factors contributed to the deceleration in organic Management Solutions growth from Q3 to Q4? - Management noted softer checks and a mix issue with smaller client sizes, along with MPP enrollment headwinds impacting growth [42][44] Question: How does the company plan to reaccelerate organic client growth? - The company will focus on organic client growth of 1% to 3% while driving product penetration and maintaining pricing strength [49][50] Question: What is the outlook for Paycor's growth in fiscal 2026? - Management expects Paycor to be a strong double-digit grower, with some conservatism in guidance to ensure deliverability [59] Question: Can you clarify the impact of recent bankruptcies and financial distress on the company? - Management indicated that while there were increases in bankruptcies, the impact on revenue was minimal, particularly at the lower end of the client base [72][84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q4 increased by 10% to $1.4 billion; excluding Paycor, total revenue increased by 3% [21] - For the full fiscal year 2025, total revenue grew by 6% to $5.6 billion [24] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by 6% to $1.19 in Q4, while diluted earnings per share decreased by 22% to $0.82 [23] - Adjusted operating income margins for Q4 were 40.4%, an increase of approximately 20 basis points [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Management Solutions revenue increased by 12% to $1 billion in Q4, driven by the addition of Paycor and higher revenue per client [22] - PEO and Insurance Solutions revenue increased by 4% to $340 million, supported by growth in average PEO worksite employees [22] - Interest on funds held for clients increased by 18% to $45 million in Q4, primarily due to the inclusion of Paycor balances [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The number of clients served increased to approximately 800,000, with HR outsourcing worksite employees rising to 2.5 million [6] - Client retention rates improved year over year, indicating strong value provided to clients [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on integrating Paycor and enhancing customer experience while maintaining industry-leading operating margins [5] - A strategic decision was made to accelerate investments for future growth, particularly in technology and sales capabilities [7][54] - The company aims to achieve approximately $90 million in cost synergies in fiscal year 2026, with additional synergy opportunities identified [6][90] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management noted a mix of optimism and uncertainty in the market, with small businesses remaining fundamentally healthy despite external pressures [17] - The company expects total revenue growth in fiscal year 2026 to be between 16.5% and 18.5%, with Management Solutions projected to grow by 20% to 22% [27] - Management expressed confidence in navigating the current macro environment and emphasized the importance of operational efficiency [26][19] Other Important Information - The company has completed key integration activities post-Paycor acquisition and is now operating as one entity [4] - A comprehensive territory assessment and reassignment review across sales teams has been completed to align with market segments [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the distractions related to the sales force integration and its impact on Q4? - Management acknowledged that the sales transformation was planned prior to the acquisition and all changes were made in Q4 to minimize future disruptions [33][34] Question: What are the expectations for organic growth versus cross-selling? - Management indicated a focus on 1% to 3% organic client growth while emphasizing product penetration and disciplined growth strategies [50] Question: How is the integration of Paycor's sales team progressing? - Management reported that they retained a significant portion of Paycor's sales and marketing organization and are fully staffed, with plans to continue investing in sales [62] Question: What is the outlook for Paycor's growth in fiscal year 2026? - Management expects Paycor to be a strong double-digit grower, with some conservatism in guidance to ensure deliverability [59] Question: How will the company balance capital allocation between shareholder returns and debt reduction? - Management stated that the primary focus remains on investing in the business, with dividends being the main method of returning excess cash to shareholders [76]